Duns tournament proves to be a huge success

Published:15:51Thursday 24 February 2011

the recent Duns Badminton Tournament proved to be a fantastic family affair with grandparents, aunts and uncles brothers and sisters all turning out to support the fantastic young players who participated.

Players from Duns, Eyemouth, Greenlaw, Jedburgh, Lauder, Lilliesleaf, Kelso and St Boswells all put on a great show of skill, determination and personal bravery! Some children were way out of their comfort zones and overcame the stress of playing in finals and against better squad or Scottish Level players to do theirselves proud.

The tournament once again was excellently organised by Peter Hardie and his Duns club coaches - teamwork at its best (supported by coaches from other clubs and parents of course).

Outstanding performances were shown by Rebecca Aubrey (Broomlands PS) and Callum Smith (P4 Duns PS) who made it to their first ever major badminton final. Callum Arnot (P5 Lilliesleaf PS) and Teigan Scobie (P5 Greenlaw PS), were presented with the best boy and girls trophies for their performances in the singles and doubles - certainly ones to watch for in the future.

Finally, the maturity, supportive play and ‘encouragement of other players’ displayed by both Singles winners - Scottish and Border squad player Robbie Patterson (Eyemouth PS) and Border squad player Linsey Young (Broomlands PS) was quite outstanding for two Primary 7’s- fine role models for the younger players.

Robbie defeated Aaron Lee (Broomlands PS) in the singles 21-2, 21-9 before going on to beat Aaron and Ryan Angus (Edenside PS) 21-7, 21-8 in the final of the doubles, playing alongside Callum Smith of Duns Primary.

Linsey took first places in the singles by defeating Kerry Waddell (P5 Duns PS) 21-5, 21-9.

And the day produced a gripping finish when Linsey and her school friend Rebecca Aubrey eventually beat Duns PS pair Leona Rhind and Keira Waddell in a tense and very hard fought final. The final score was 21-5, 13-21, 21-19.

The finalists were presented with their trophies (sponsored by Petlie Engraving) by Grant Purves (Chair of the Duns Badminton Club).

Thanks was given to all the families and players who turned out to support this event, bringing raffle prizes and tray bakes to help raise funds for the club.